Blue is the world’s most popular color and, fittingly, it has one of the largest families of named shades, from deep navy to bright sky blue. If you want a shade like blue that is darker, lighter, or more vivid, there is a perfect cousin for it.
This guide covers the best colors similar to blue, how each one differs, and a ready-to-use palette for every shade. Click any swatch to copy its hex code.
The quick answer: colors like blue #
The six closest alternatives to blue are:
- Navy, a deep, near-black blue
- Cobalt, a vivid, intense blue
- Azure, a clear, bright light blue
- Cerulean, a sky-and-sea blue
- Sapphire, a rich, jewel-like blue
- Sky blue, a soft, pale light blue
1. Navy #
Navy is the deepest blue, a dark, near-black shade that feels classic and grounding. See more in our guide to what goes with navy.
2. Cobalt #
Cobalt is a vivid, intense blue with real punch, bolder and brighter than standard blue. See more in our guide to what goes with cobalt blue.
3. Azure #
Azure is a clear, bright light blue, like a cloudless sky. It feels fresh, clean, and open.
4. Cerulean #
Cerulean is a bright sky-and-sea blue, vivid but a touch softer than cobalt. It feels calm and summery.
5. Sapphire #
Sapphire is a rich, jewel-like deep blue named after the gemstone. It feels luxurious and refined.
6. Sky blue #
Sky blue is a soft, pale light blue, the airiest of the family. See more in our guide to what goes with sky blue.
How to choose the right shade #
Pick by depth: navy and sapphire for deep, rich, grounding blues; cobalt and cerulean for vivid, energetic punch; and azure or sky blue for light, fresh, airy looks.
Related guides #
- What colors go with blue
- What colors go with navy
- What colors go with cobalt blue
- What colors go with sky blue
Build your own palette #
Use the PaletteDeck generator to build a palette around any of these blues, browse our most popular palettes, or explore more color guides.